Padres Robbie Erlin to DL, Tyson Ross Surgery Update

While Drew Pomeranz is off to the best start of his career, a couple of other Padres starters are ailing. Tyson Ross has been on the Disabled List since his first start of the year though he received good news this week that he won’t need shoulder surgery. Meanwhile Robbie Erlin, who was recalled to take Ross’ spot in the rotation, joined him on the DL with elbow stiffness. What are the Padres options to fill that rotation spot?

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First of all lets talk about Tyson Ross, who was given the Opening Day nod over James Shields and proceeded to allow 7 earned runs in that loss. He has been resting since then and the Padres received his MRI Thursday. The good news is that it doesn’t require surgery, the bad news is that it is unclear exactly what the problem is. Ross played catch for the first time Tuesday and was not happy with his progress:

“It was good to get out there and play catch, but it wasn’t where I wanted it to be,” Ross said. “I’ve been rehabbing pretty aggressively and made some pretty good strides as far as strength is concerned, but it wasn’t the first day of catch I was looking for.”

Meanwhile Robbie Erlin went on the DL Thursday after his Sunday start where he was rocked by the D’backs. He is 1-2 on the season in 2 starts with a 4.02 ERA in just under 16 innings. It is unfortunate for the left-hander who didn’t make the major league team out of camp but prior to Sunday had pitched well in his previous two appearances. He is optimistic the stay will be short:

“Not being able to be out there battling with them is tough to swallow, but hopefully, just finish the season strong. There’s still four months left. Hopefully that’s how it goes, and I can still make a bunch of starts.”

The Padres do have some options on the roster to fill the open rotation spot. Carlos Villanueva, who has pitched well out of the bullpen has been a starter in the past for Chicago and Toronto. He has only allowed 1 run in his last 5 appearances and 3 overall in 9 innings. He started 15 games for the Cubs in 2013. Another option is recently acquired Brad Hand from Miami. He has 43 starts in 96 career MLB games with 6 of those relief appearances already for the Padres.

Next: Padres Prospect Update

Of course one definite downside is that by bringing in one of those pitchers it would weaken a bullpen that hasn’t been the sharpest this season. Leonel Campos‘ call-up was short lived as he couldn’t get anyone out in his appearance last night against the Pirates and was quickly sent back down.

The longshot call-up is Brandon Morrow, who is working in AA but many were hoping the Padres could work him back slower and bring him up later in the season if there were any issues with Colin Rea or Pomeranz.